Keith Vaz 'reward' letter: Government pressed for explanation

Pressure is growing on the Government to explain the letter to Keith Vaz apparently suggesting he be "appropriately rewarded" for supporting new anti-terrorism laws.

Keith Vaz was originally opposed to the proposed counter-terrorism measures but later offered his full backingPhoto: HEATHCLIFF O'MALLEY

By Graham Tibbetts

7:40AM BST 03 Jul 2008

Geoff Hoon, Labour's chief whip, sent the handwritten note to Mr Vaz, chairman of the home affairs select committee, the day after he voted in favour of detaining terror suspects for up to 42 days.

It prompted accusations that Mr Vaz, who had previously opposed extending the period of detention, had been offered a knighthood or peerage to side with the Government.

Chris Grayling, Conservative work and pensions secretary, said: "A question has now been raised about inducements being offered behind the scenes that go beyond political persuasion. There is a duty on the Government to explain what actually happened."

Fellow members of the select committee also voiced their concern.

David Davies, Tory MP for Monmouth, said: "This is clearly something that needs to be addressed."

Mr Vaz, a former minister, made a speech during a debate on the terror law proposals which was thought to have won over a number of Labour backbenchers. The Government won the vote last month by a margin of nine.

Mr Hoon said in his message of June 13: "Just a quick note to thank you for all your help during the period leading up to last Wednesday's votes. I wanted you to know how much I appreciated all your help.

"I trust that it will be appropriately rewarded!"

However, both men sought to play down the significance of the note, insisting it was merely a joke between friends.

Mr Vaz said the letter was "totally light-hearted" and added that it was completely normal for whips to write to backbenchers after important votes.

Mr Hoon said it was an ironic exchange that had been deliberately misinterpreted.

A friend said: "There had been mischievous references during the Terror Bill debate to the possibility of Keith Vaz getting a knighthood. Geoff was merely making a jokey reference to that."